Independent Monitor To Investigate Police Shooting At Moving Vehicles

DENVER (CBS4) - The City and County of Denver Office of the Independent Monitor announced on Tuesday that it's launching an investigation into the issue of Denver police shooting at moving vehicles.

Independent Monitor Nicholas E. Mitchell released a statement about the investigation the day after Denver police officers killed 17-year-old Jessie Hernandez after they say she and four other teens rammed a police officer in a stolen car.

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In a prepared statement Mitchell said Denver officers have now fired at moving vehicles four times in the last seven months.

"Shootings involving moving vehicles pose unique potential safety risks to both officers and the community," Mitchell said in the statement. "Today, the Office of the Independent Monitor is launching an in-depth evaluation of this issue."

He said the evaluation will look into the "current state of the DPD's policies, practices, and training on shooting at moving vehicles in comparison to national standards and best practices from other police departments in the United States."

Mitchell said he looks forward to working with the police department and community.